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Monday, September 16, 2013

Today I'm honored to host the one person who helps us all. Blogger extraordinaire, bestselling author, a ninja with an army of clones, and a virtual friend Alex J Cavanaugh.

Tomorrow Alex is releasing the third book in his Storm series CassaStorm (more details below). Stop by his blog today to congratulate him.

Since I'm always fascinated with what drives an author to write in a particular genre, I wondered what genre Alex would write in if he couldn't write science fiction or space and this is what he answered:

I would definitely write fantasy. I enjoy reading it as much as
science fiction and I’ve been fascinated with it since the first Shannara
trilogy by Terry Brooks. It does involve a lot of world building, so not sure
I’d be any good at it…

Now here's more from Alex:

CassaStorm

By Alex J
Cavanaugh

From the Amazon Best Selling
Series!

A storm gathers across the
galaxy…

Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days
of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet,
Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the
Cassans.

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another
battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races
triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s
mind.

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might
signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost
destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble,
Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in
the middle…

“CassaStorM
is a touching and mesmerizing space opera full of action and emotion with strong
characters and a cosmic mystery.” –
Edi’s Book Lighhouse

“With a talent for worldbuilding and a compelling cast of characters,
Alex J. Cavanaugh combines high powered space battles and the challenges of
family dynamics to provide readers a space opera with heart.”
- Elizabeth S. Craig, author of
the Southern Quilting and Myrtle Clover
mysteries

“I thought
the revelation was going to be one thing and I was completely wrong … CassaStorm
pushes the limits…”-
Tyson Mauermann, Speculative Reviews

Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web
design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an
adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction,
his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the
Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of
the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar and CassaFire, he lives in the Carolinas with
his wife.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

I cannot believe it's been two years since the Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) started. I'm very thankful to have been part of this wonderful experience every first Wednesday of the month.

A BIG shot out to our host every month Captain Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh who is more like a Big Brother that sees it all and is always everywhere helping out fellow authors, writers, bloggers, reviewers etc.

For a full list of participants click here and hop on over to offer your own words of encouragement and/or assistance.Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and
concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been
through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven
for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day.
Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the
fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a
word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the
group and connect with your fellow writers.

Today, instead of writing about my fears and insecurities, I'd like to list a few that are common among this group. Why? Because by looking at the perils others face, we know we're not alone. Perhaps reading what others are going through you can find a solution not only for them, but also for yourself.

1. I'm afraid others will hate my writing2. What if I get a bad review3. There's not enough time in the day to do it all4. What if I'm not successful (definition of success varies for everyone)5. Feeling intimidated6. I don't have any more strength and I'm feeling low7. Am I wasting my time?8. My Muse decided to go on a vacation9. My characters are talking to me, am I going crazy?10. What do I do if an agent calls?11. I got another rejection letter.12. Do I self-publish or look for an agent?13. It's taking forever to format, edit, design a cover.14. All this marketing is nuts. I'd rather write.15. I can't meet my deadline16. I got a bad review (yes, it's almost identical to #2)

This list can go on and on. The point I'm trying to make is that we all have hurdles to climb over (which sometimes may seem like mountains). The great thing about the blogging community of writers, reviewers, readers and bloggers is the support you can find in groups such as the IWSG. You're not alone and neither am I because of you all :)Can you identify with any of the above? What's your insecurity this month? Did you hear IWSG is getting its own website which will provide even more support? Excited?